$9 million CyberKnife unveiled at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital as WA’s new weapon to fight cancer

The new Cyberknife at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, which is a $9 million tool for treating tumours.Source:Supplied

A SOPHISTICATED new tool to improve tumour treatment was unveiled at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital today.

The $9 million CyberKnife will be used to treat cancerous tumours – including those previously thought to be inoperable – and is the first of its kind in Australia.

It uses a robotic arm which allows doctors to deliver high-dose radiation in a precise area, meaning fewer treatments for patients.

Health Minister Kim Hames said the instrument would be used to treat up to 450 patients each year.

“The CyberKnife enables doctors to treat tumours with pinpoint accuracy. It is particularly beneficial for the treatment of certain lung, brain, spine, liver and prostate cancers which otherwise may be inoperable, or where other treatment options may compromise other vital organs,” he said.

“Another advantage is its ability to treat tumours that move, such as those in the lungs, to a greater level of accuracy, which is something other technology is not able to do.”

The CyberKnife will be housed at the new State Cancer Centre at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Nedlands.